An overnight standoff in Taylorsville ended at approximately 8:30 this morning with one dead and one suspect in custody. The incident began just shortly before 8:00 p.m. last night when Indiana State Police received information two individuals from Michigan were possibly in the Taylorsville, IN area and one of the individuals was wanted on a warrant for armed robbery. Troopers along with Bartholomew Co. Sheriff’s deputies and Columbus Police Officers began a search of the area for the suspect vehicle. Photos of the two individuals were taken to various motels in the area and at approximately 11:45 p.m. Tpr. Brent Lykins arrived at the Red Roof Inn in Taylorsville and the motel clerk identified one of the individuals and said they had checked in at approximately 8:00 p.m.

Indiana State Police Emergency Response Team (ERT) was notified and Columbus Police Department sent three of their SWAT officers and an unmarked car as well as Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived to assist with surveillance and back up for Tpr. Lykins until ISP ERT members could arrive.

At approximately 4:50 a.m. ERT members made contact with the suspects and at approximately 5:15 a.m. 26 year old Zachary Baker of Waterford, MI, the suspect wanted for armed robbery surrendered without incident. The remaining suspect had been identified and although was not wanted on any active warrants, was confirmed to be a convicted serious violent felon and it was confirmed he was in possession of a firearm. An arrest warrant was obtained from Bartholomew County charging him with Serious Violent Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Negotiations continued for the next few hours when just before 8:30 a.m. police heard a single gunshot from within the motel room. Shortly thereafter ERT members entered the room and discovered the suspect dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Tpr. Lykins commented, “The public’s attention and assistance with identifying the individuals was instrumental in locating the suspects. In addition, the collaborative efforts of the various agencies working together and providing support and back up brought this incident to a safe ending for the police and the public.”

The deceased individual has been identified as 44year-old Richard Morris of Waterford, MI. Morris died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after an hours long standoff with police. He is the step-father of 26 year old Zachary Baker also of Waterford, MI who had surrendered earlier without incident. Baker was wanted on a warrant out of Michigan for armed robbery.

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